The Maypole, Sittingbourne

Unfussy village pub retaining two separate bars, one with a couple of further dining area offshoots, and very traditional furniture and decor throughout. Beer garden to one side. With four handpumps on each counter, I found Doom Bar, Landlord and Harvey's (£3.80) available.

Official site of The Maypole - www.themaypoleborden.co.uk

Official site of The Maypole - www.themaypoleborden.co.uk

Warm greetings top notch beer and the best pub food i have had in a long time. Although the maypole has suffered in the past with underpar landlords, the current landlords have really turned this pub around from being an average village pub to something that people from miles around come back to time and time again. Borden is a small village on the outskirts of sittingbourne 10 miles from maidstone. Although the draught lager/ale/beer prices are amongst the highest in the area, the quality is second to none. But you only get what you pay for i think.

A traditional village pub dating from before the Middle Ages, it was known as The Rose and Crown in the 17th Century and The Old Bells by about 1734. It became The Maypole sometime before 1750. the original oak-beamed building was substantially rebuilt during the 19th Century. It has always been the centre of village life and was a key part of the hop growing season, hosting and supporting the seasonal workers who came down from London. There is a large saloon bar and smaller public bar, both with carpeted floors and traditional architectural features on show. The decor is a bit past its best, but that somehow adds to the charm. The publican is friendly and professional and knows his business, welcoming all comers including families. There is a good selection of food on complemented with an average wine list. Four ales on, I had Hobgoblin which was about the best I've ever tasted. Well worth finding, especially in the Summer when the village is at its best.